Florist
Job Description:Florists sell flowers and create bouquets for weddings, funerals, events and special occasions.
Job Category:What you will do:
On a typical day you could:
- arrange displays of plants and flowers to attract customers
- talk to customers about their needs and help them choose flowers and plants
- take orders in person, on the phone and online
- keep flowers in perfect condition
- prepare arrangements for weddings, celebrations and funerals
- keep up to date on new floristry techniques and trends
- give plant care advice
- set up flower displays at events
- clean vases and keep the shop tidy
Skills:
You’ll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things (creativity)
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work on your own (drive)
Entry Requirements:
To become a florist, there are no specific requirements. However, certain subjects and skills can be helpful in pursuing a career in floral design and flower arrangement. Florists create and arrange floral displays for various occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and special events. Here are some recommended subjects and considerations:
- Art and Design: courses in art and design can help you develop your artistic skills, including colour theory, composition, and creativity. These skills are valuable for creating visually appealing floral arrangements.
- Biology: A basic understanding of plant biology, including topics like flower anatomy, growth patterns, and care, can be beneficial for working with flowers and plants effectively.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for tasks such as calculating costs, pricing arrangements, and measuring floral materials.
- Business Studies (optional): While not a requirement, courses in business studies can be helpful if you plan to run your own floristry business, as they cover aspects like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. In the UK, for example, courses include:
- Certificate in Floral Design
- Certificate in Floristry
- Extended Diploma in Floristry
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship in floristry.
This will usually take 2 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
Work
You could start as an assistant in a florist’s shop and learn on the job.
Employers may want you to have some form of academic qualification, creative flair and a keen interest in floristry. Experience in retail would also be helpful, though not essential.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 28-30 hours of work. You could be required to work weekends on a rota.
You could work at a store, on a market stall or in a workshop. Your working environment may be cool.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could start your own business or become a freelance floral decorator, doing exhibition work, demonstrations and teaching.